Today’s interview is with Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone as we discuss their new plus-size heroine in “A Merry Little Meet Cute.”
Learn why body positivity in our characters is so important and how the romance industry is changing to feel more inclusive.
This spicy romance discussion includes what they learned from forming this new “odd couple” writing partnership and how they rose to new creative challenges.
Julie and Sierra both have also worked as librarians and share five book recommendations with curvy characters we should add to our book stacks immediately.
ABOUT JULIE MURPHY & SIERRA SIMONE
Julie Murphy is a librarian turned #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels for all ages including Dumplin’ (now a Netflix original film), Dear Sweet Pea, and If the Shoe Fits. Julie lives in North Texas with her spouse, who loves her; her dog, who adores her; and her cats, who tolerate her.
Sierra Simone is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling former librarian. Her notable works include Priest, American Queen, and Misadventures of a Curvy Girl, and her books have been featured in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, and Buzzfeed. She lives with her spouse and family in Kansas City.
The Best Plus-Size Romance Characters to Love: An Interview with Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (Podcast)
Listen to the Show
Book Gang Podcast Episode 45:
Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!
Mentioned in this episode:
A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill
Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy
Vault of Ambience YouTube Channel
Samsung Frame TV (that we all own now- hahaha!)
Tazo Tea Turmeric Bliss
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
Priest by Sierra Simone
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade
After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez
Fat Chance Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
No Filter and Other Lies by Crystal Maldonado
Xeni: A Marriage of Inconvenience by Rebekah Weatherpoon
Love is a Revolution by Renee Watson
Connect With Us:
Amy is @momadvice on Instagram
Follow Sierra on email at [email protected] & TheSierraSimone.com & Sierra’s Newsletter & Sierra’s Instagram
Follow Julie on Instagram & Julie on Twitter & Julie on TikTok & Julie’s website & Julie’s Newsletter
Julie + Sierra’s Website
Julie & Sierra’s Newsletter
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Join the Book Gang Patreon
Shop the above (Amazon) links or shop through my MomAdvice Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.
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THIS MONTH’S PATREON BONUSES
20 NEW RELEASE BOOK REVIEWS (LISTEN TO THE PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD THE 37-PAGE READING GUIDE)